CHAP. VI. How many, and what means there are to oppugn thir disease.
MAny sorts of remedies have been found out by many to oppugn and overcome this di∣sease.* 1.1 Yet at this day there are only fou•• which are principally used. The first is by a de∣coction of Guaicum; the second by unction; the third by emplasters, and the fourth by fumigation: all of them by Hydrargyrum, the first excepted. Yet that is not sufficiently strong and powerfull; for experience hath taught, that the decoction of Guaicum hath not sufficient strength to extinguish the venom of the venerous virulency, but only to give it ease for a time; for because it heats, attenuates, provokes sweat and urine, wasts the excrementitious humors by drying them, it seemeth to cure the disease, for that thereupon, for some time, the pain and all other symptoms seem more remiss; but these endeavors are weak and deceitful, as whereby that only which is more subtle in the humors in fault, is exhausted and dispersed by sweat. But Hydrargyrum, is a certain higher power, contains therein all the power of Guaicum,* 1.2 yet much more excellent and efficacious; for besides that it heats, attenuates, cuts, resolves and dries, it provokes sweat and urine, and besides it expels noxious humors upwards and downwards, by the mouth and stool. By which evacuations not only the more subtle, but also the more gross and feculent excrements, wherein the seat of this disease is properly fixed, are dispersed and evacua∣ted; by which the Physician may be bold to assure himself of certain victory over the disease. But after the use of the decoction of Guaicum, fresh pains & knots arise by the reliques of the more gross and viscous humors, left in the cavities of the entrails; but Hydrargyrum leaves no reliques behind it